Why the Los Angeles Rams as the NFC West Champions is a Smart Bet

2019 was a disappointing season for the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams finished with a record of 9-7 and 3rd in the NFC West. However, they were still a competitive team that played their divisional opponents tough going 3-3 in the division. Vegas has already released the divisional odds for the 2020 NFL season, and the Rams are +260 to become the NFC West Champions. So, why is this a smart bet to make? Let’s take a deeper dive into why this is a bet you should be looking to make.

Easier Schedule

The Los Angeles Rams won the NFC West in the 2018 season and had to face each division winner from the NFC last season, which included the New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, and the Dallas Cowboys. The NFC West also matched up against one of the toughest divisions from the AFC Side in the AFC North. This season, the Rams will have a more manageable schedule after finishing 3rd in the NFC West they will face the New York Giants, Chicago Bears, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The NFC West will also play against the AFC East, which may not have Tom Brady, and already has one of the worst teams in the NFL with the Dolphins.

More to Prove

Virtually the entire team has something to prove this season. Todd Gurley has to prove that he is still able to handle a full workload, Goff has to prove that the 2018 NFL season wasn’t an outlier season, and Sean McVay has to show why he is still one of the best coaches in the NFL. I look for the motivation factor to be one of the most significant reasons for the Rams to have a better season in 2020.

Improved Offensive Line

The most glaring issue for the Los Angeles Rams this offseason is to address their offensive line woes. There have been speculations of the Rams adding Connor McGovern from the Dallas Cowboys, which would help address that need. The Rams will also be adding offensive linemen in the NFL Draft this season. I look for an improved offensive line to be another reason for a bounce-back season from the Rams and why I look for them to be a smart bet to win the NFC West at +260.